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Self Defense NY

Be The Attacker

7 Household Items That You Can Use For Self Defense

With the rising crimes rates of the world we live in, self defense has become an increasingly important concern for many. Whilst there are many generic forms of self defense that are commonly marketed as viable, there will likely come a time when you’re not able to reach for your gun, pepper spray, or taser. When there’s a criminal breathing down your neck and your personal safety is at risk, it’s important to remember that almost anything in your home can become a weapon of self defense if properly used. This kind of impromptu self defense is being taught as an actual form now and this Fort Worth martial arts class is one example.

7) Pens and Pencils

Pens and pencils are everyday objects that we almost always have with us, and they’re also quite pointy. Holding a pen or pencil between your fingers before throwing a punch does a lot more damage to your attacker. Whilst aiming for a solid part of the body such as the chest won’t do as much damage, but aiming for a vulnerable part of the body such as the eyes, nose, or collar bones will stop or at least slow down your assailant.

6) Kitchen Utensils

Whether you know it or not, your kitchen contains the most viable self defense instruments in your home. Whilst forks and knives are usually your first thought when it comes to defending yourself in the kitchen, you shouldn’t discount the other bits of cutlery and crockery you have lying around. Mugs, bowls, and plates can cause a lot of damage if shattered against your attacker, especially if the glass or ceramic shards manage to break the skin. Your pots and pans also make excellent bludgeoning tools. They’re heavy, easily handled, and can knock out an assailant if aimed at the right part of their body. The best place to aim for when using a pot or pan is the back of the head or the face, and buy you enough time to escape and call for help.

5) Aerosol Sprays

Whether it be bug spray, deodorant, or hair spray, there’s no denying that most aerosols contain chemicals that are incredibly harmful to your eyes and nose. Whilst pepper spray is the usual go-to for self defense, you can get the same results from using any form of aerosol can and spraying the contents directly into your assailant’s face. If it gets into his eyes, it’s going to temporarily blind your attacker. If it gets into his nose, he’s going to be far too busy coughing and gasping for breath to bring any harm to you.

4) Car Keys

This is another of those common household items that you usually always have on your person. Fitting the keys between your fingers with the points facing outward before throwing a punch converts your keys into makeshift knuckle busters, and your attacks will do a lot more damage against someone trying to attack you. Whilst it’s advisable to aim for the more vulnerable parts of their body, this is a makeshift self defense weapon that can draw blood no matter where you aim.

3) Umbrellas

You can use an umbrella to attack or distract your assailant in times of need. Opening the umbrella provides the distraction you need as it obscures their view and can trip them up as they’re approaching you, thus buying you time to escape or grab onto something that’s better to defend yourself with. However, if you’re not interested in using it as a distraction, an umbrella can be swung like most other long, solid objects to deliver a painful blow to your attacker.

2) Bats, Sticks, and Rackets.

It’s not uncommon for most households to contain either a baseball bat or cricket bat, hockey or lacrosse stick, or tennis racket, among other kinds of sporting equipment. They’re blunt force instruments that are easily wielded and can be used to deliver devastating blows to an attacker or assailant.

1) Loose Change and Water Bottles

These are perhaps the two which seem the most ridiculous to use in a confrontation, but they’re actually the most useful in guaranteeing you’re able to get yourself out of a dangerous situation. The aim for this form of self defense is to flee rather than fight, which is arguably a much safer option for you. Throwing loose change into your assailant’s face gives you a small window of opportunity to run whilst he’s bewildered or stunned. However, this doesn’t last long, which is why using a water bottle is a much better option.

The bottle itself can’t do much, but the water inside it can. Splashing it into your assailant’s face stuns him and temporarily blinds him until he wipes the water out of his eyes, thus giving you a much larger opportunity to escape than by using a handful of coins.

Knowing how to defend yourself using the common household items you take for granted is a crucial skill in protecting yourself, your family, and your home from those who would do you harm. The next time you’re walking through your home, take a look around and consider the things that you could use in such a situation to stay safe.